Lupus presents differently in every person, but one symptom seems to be part of every Lupie’s nightmares: Fatigue.

I met with my rheumy yesterday and said—as usual: ”I’m tired.” To which he replied sympathetically: “I know.”

But then he did the unthinkable: He suggested a reality check.

He said I might never fully understand the whys and whats of the fatigue that seems inherent with autoimmune disorders, even when they’re not actively flaring. Also, my own physical factors (sleep apnea, GERD, arthritis) can all contribute to poor sleep.

Dr. M suggested I think about that which I can control. In essence, how my sleep habits impact the quality of rest I receive.

So I did some research. And according to the sleep disorder clinic at the University of Maryland Medical Center, there just might be a few things I could improve upon.

5 Questions; Honest Answers

1) Do you go to bed and wake up at the same time?

Ummm, no. The general idea is there—I’m in bed not too long after my daughter falls asleep because I’m exhausted. But then I write. I read. I watch movies with my hubby. I wake up when my sleep mask falls off, or when my stomach aches, or when the coffee is ready at 5:30 because it’s my “alarm clock” when I’m behind on a deadline. Or when the cat is hungry (whichever comes first).

2) Do you avoid sugar, napping, caffeine, and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime?